Bedside Crib Or Co-Sleeper
In essence, a bedside crib is a cot that resembles a bassinet that can be attached to your bed and allows you to access your baby for night feedings or to soothe them to sleep. They are particularly useful for mothers recovering from c-section births.
Our parent testers praised the SnuzPod 4, which has many technical features for parents with busy schedules, including a reflux incline setting and the soothing centre that has an amber floorlight and nightlight with 2 vibration levels. It is also light and is able to be easily moved from one room to another.
Safety
A bedside crib, sometimes referred to as a cosleeper (or baby bassinet), allows your infant to sleep with you at night in their own crib. This helps to protect them from overheating or SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Follow the manufacturer's instructions for weight limits and make sure that the crib is snugly fitted. If gaps exist, it may increase the chance of getting trapped, which is a risk that is serious. It is also crucial to keep blankets, pillows and toys out of the crib.
Look for a crib with a mesh side panel which your child can see through, and a sturdy air-conditioned, flat, and comfortable mattress. The slats should be placed no wider than 2 3/8 inches apart, and the headboard should be lower than the footboard to ensure that your baby isn't able to get out of the crib or put their head over the footboard. Many models also feature a built-in changing table, shelves for storing diapers and wipes, rockers, lighting for night and music. These are wonderful features to have, but keep in mind that your baby must remain in their own crib until they're able to stand or sit at around 6 months old, at which point they'll be able to safely sleep elsewhere.
It's also important to choose a crib that doesn't have corner posts, since they could pose a risk to your baby's safety by creating spaces where their head or limbs might be trapped. If you have a crib with these, you should consider taking them out to stop your baby from becoming entangled in their clothing or toys. Keep the crib clear of drape cords since your baby may become entangled and fall or strangle.
If you're using a second-hand cot, check that it's safe to use. It should not have any rough surfaces or holes, or peeling paint and should be solid and in good condition with no loose components. It is also crucial to check that the cot was stripped down and repainted. Cots manufactured prior to 1973 may have contained leaded paint, which could be harmful to babies.
User-Friendliness
A bedside crib is a bassinet or cot that is designed to be placed safely next to a parent's bed and let babies sleep close by without any of the risks that come with co-sleeping (rooming-in). They are a great choice for parents who have a hard time getting out of bed to feed their baby or to comfort them during the night, especially after a difficult delivery. Some are also used as an infant Moses Basket or infant carrycot to offer an easier and safer sleeping space away from the crib.
Bedside cribs attach securely to the side of the parent's bed using straps that are secure and some come with a swivel base and adjustable height settings to work with different types of beds. Many have mesh sides to increase visibility and airflow, too. Some have a drop-down sides that lowers or removes for easy access to the baby's bed from the parent's that aids with nighttime feeding and comforting.
Some cribs can be tilted one end to promote a more natural sleeping position that is safer for babies with reflux, colic or other digestive issues. However, this should be used with extreme care and only under the advice of a healthcare professional.
MFM home test Jasmine was impressed by the size of this crib and weight "it is a lot larger than the majority of Moses baskets and feels sturdy and rugged - a little like an investment piece but not too expensive to be out of reach." Jasmine also appreciated its convenience particularly its swivel base she said: "You just spin it around if you need to reach over to check on your babyand then, when you're ready to go back to sleep, you just pull it again."
She also liked how simple it was for her to shut and open the door, even when she was exhausted at late at night. She also enjoyed how much space there was within the crib to store nappies, blankets, and other necessities. She also liked how the mattress felt comfortable and was a decent size in comparison to other cribs that we've tested. She added: "Plus the sheets are easily machine washable. This is a major bonus when you're exhausted from every feed!"
Portability
A bedside crib can be placed right beside the bed of a parent. This makes it simple for parents to reach their child in the night to soothe or breastfeed. It can also help stop the baby from falling over and suffocating. A good quality crib should have sides that are easily opened, which makes it easy for parents with a bleary eye in the middle of the night, as well as a mesh window so you can monitor your baby.
The SnuzPod 4 is a popular choice, with its sleek design in Scandi and a reasonable price. It is available in a variety of colors including gender-neutral gray and wood effect. It is made to fit divan beds. However, you might require longer straps in order to be compatible with your mattress. Its open side panel with anti-reflux incline as well as adjustable mattress heights are all simple to operate, even for bleary-eyed new parents.
It's heavier than some of the other crib options, and it doesn't fold flat, but it's an ideal size to fit into its convenient carry bag to travel with. Mum in the BabyCentre forums said that it was easy to set up with its clear instructions and simple mechanism. However, she points out that the fabric is susceptible to creasing when taken out of its travel bag.
You could also consider the Joie Roomie Glide. It is a bedside baby crib that has wheels, making it more maneuverable. It can also fold completely flat. It's a little pricier than the SnuzPod, but it has additional features that could be appealing, such as a storage shelf, six different height adjustments, and an additional reflux incline. It also has a mesh-lined window which zips up for easy cleaning, and a durable mattress with breathable air. Some moms found it a bit shallower, though. It comes with a carrying bag that is handy to keep the mattress clean and dust free when it is stored.
Style
A bedside crib, also referred to as co-sleeper, was designed to be placed near your bed. It lets you view your baby and reach them during the night. This is useful for night feedings and changing nappy. This makes it ideal for parents who wish to keep their child close but don't want the dangers of sharing a bed (such as suffocation and overheating). It's also a great option for couples who don't share a bedroom with their child.
There are a variety of different styles to pick from. Some have an upper and lower panel that can be lowered to let you see and touch your baby during the night, but also stops accidental bed-sharing. Some have a pop-up design that lowers to let you take your baby out of the crib, but then raises again automatically.
You'll have to consider the dimensions of your crib as well as your bed. Some cribs are smaller and more compact and are ideal in case you are restricted by space in your home. Others are sturdier and bigger which is ideal for older babies who could be starting to roll or get up at night.
Look for a crib that is easy to clean, with breathable fabric and mesh windows that allow for ventilation. Some cribs come with an adjustable mattress that can be machine-washed and fitted with a sheet. This makes it much easier to clean than a regular crib mattress. Some have an anti-reflux incline option, which is beneficial for those suffering from reflux.
The most secure and practical options are those that fasten securely to the parents' bed, either using straps or the locking mechanism that holds it in place when not in use. Some cribs have adjustable legs that can be used with different bed heights. This is a great option for those with an unusually designed bed or divan. bedside crib vs cot may also think about a crib that has a fourth wall that is removable and could be used as a playpen or as a babysitter during the daytime.